Electrical installation with two DC voltage sources, two networks, and an interconnection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical installation (102) for a mobility device (100), comprising: - a first DC voltage source (SC1); - a second DC voltage source (SC2); - a first network (LV1) designed to include a battery (BAT); - a second network (LV2) without a battery. The electrical installation (102) further comprises: - an interconnection device (IT) comprising: a first connection (L1) between the first DC voltage source (SC1) and the first network (LV1), a second connection (L2) between the second DC voltage source (SC2) and the second network (LV2), a junction switch (BP) connected between the first and second connections (L1, L2);and - a control device (108) designed to, the interconnection device (IT) being in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch (BP) is open: in response to a detection of an electrical power supply by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2), command the closing of the junction switch (BP) to place the interconnection device (IT) in a so-called absorption configuration, so that the energy supplied by the second network (LV2) is absorbed by the first DC voltage source (SC1) and / or the battery (BAT). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2;

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION WITH TWO DC VOLTAGE SOURCES, TWO NETWORKS AND AN INTERCONNECTION DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical installation with two DC voltage sources, two networks and an interconnection device, a mobility device comprising such an electrical installation, a method for controlling the interconnection device and a corresponding computer program.

[0002] A mobility device is, for example, a motorized land vehicle, a train, an aircraft, or a drone. A motorized land vehicle is, for example, a car, a motorcycle, a motorized bicycle, or a motorized wheelchair.

[0003] In the description and the claims that follow, an electrical voltage shall be described as high voltage when it is greater than 100V, preferably greater than 150V, and as low voltage when it is less than 100V. Technological background

[0004] Prior art is known for an electrical installation comprising first and second DC voltage sources, and two networks supplied independently by one of the DC voltage sources through two separate connections. The first network may include a battery, while the second network does not.

[0005] However, it may happen that one of the devices in the second network feeds back electrical energy, that is, supplies electrical energy on the link connecting the second source to this second network. Such a feedback of electrical energy can occur when the device is subjected to external stress. For example, in the case of power steering, an unexpected change of direction, for example resulting from the wheels hitting an obstacle (curb, etc.), can cause such a feedback. It is then possible to control the second source to absorb this electrical energy feedback. However, this is not always desirable or possible, for example if the second source is faulty. In this case, the electrical energy cannot be discharged through the second link, so it accumulates in the second network and causes an increase in its voltage, possibly a very significant one.However, the equipment, and even its safety mechanisms, can be damaged if the voltage becomes too high, which can endanger people.

[0006] It may therefore be desirable to provide an installation which makes it possible to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems and constraints. Summary of the invention

[0007] An electrical installation for a mobility device is therefore proposed, comprising: - a first source of direct current voltage; - a second source of direct current voltage; - a first network designed to include a battery; - a second network without a battery;

[0008] characterized in that it comprises: - an interconnection device comprising: • a first connection between the first DC voltage source and the first network, • a second connection between the second DC voltage source and the second network, • a junction switch connected between the first and second links; and - a control device designed for the interconnection device being in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch is open: • in response to the detection of an electrical power supply by the second network on the second link, command the closing of the junction switch to place the interconnection device in a so-called absorption configuration, so that the energy supplied by the second network is absorbed by the first DC voltage source and / or the battery.

[0009] Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to redirect electrical energy to the first network where this electrical energy can be absorbed by the battery, as well as possibly to the first source which can be used in addition to absorb this electrical energy.

[0010] The invention may further include one or more of the following optional features, according to any technically possible combination.

[0011] Optionally, the detection of the supply of electrical energy by the second network on the second link includes the detection of an overvoltage of a voltage of the second network and / or of a reverse current leaving the second network towards the second source.

[0012] Optionally also, the control device is designed to maintain the interconnection device in the absorption configuration as long as the supply of electrical power by the second network on the second link is detected.

[0013] Optionally, the control device is also designed to, in response to a cessation of the supply of electrical energy by the second network on the second link, command the opening of the junction switch to place the interconnection device in the normal configuration.

[0014] Optionally also, the control device is designed to control the closing of the junction switch to place the interconnection device in the absorption configuration, in response to the detection of a failure of the second DC voltage source in addition to the detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network on the second link.

[0015] Optionally also, the junction switch includes two unidirectional switches, each having an intrinsic diode or one added in parallel, the two unidirectional switches being mounted in series, with either each of the conducting diodes in the direction of the other, or each of the blocking diodes in the direction of the other.

[0016] Optionally also, the first link includes first upstream and downstream switches connected to each other at a first midpoint, the first upstream switch being connected between the first DC voltage source and the first downstream switch, the first downstream switch being connected between the first upstream switch and the first network, and the second link includes a second upstream switch connected between the second DC voltage source and the second network.

[0017] Optionally also, the control device is designed to keep the second upstream switch closed in the absorption configuration.

[0018] Optionally also, the control device is designed to keep the first upstream and downstream switches closed in the absorption configuration.

[0019] Optionally also, the second link further includes a second downstream switch connected between the second upstream switch and the second network, the junction switch being connected to the second link at a second midpoint between the second downstream switch and the second upstream switch.

[0020] Optionally also, the control device is designed to keep the second downstream switch closed in the absorption configuration.

[0021] A mobility device comprising an electrical installation according to the invention is also proposed.

[0022] A method for controlling an interconnection device located between first and second DC voltage sources and a first and second network, the first network having a battery, the second network being without a battery, the interconnection device comprising: - a first connection between the first DC voltage source and the first network, - a second connection between the second DC voltage source and the second network, - a junction switch connected between the first midpoint and a second midpoint located between the second upstream switch and the second network; the process comprising, the interconnection device being in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch is open: - in response to the detection of an electrical power supply by the second network on the second link, command the closing of the junction switch to place the interconnection device in a so-called absorption configuration, so that the energy supplied by the second network is absorbed by the first DC voltage source and / or the battery.

[0023] Also proposed is a computer program downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer-readable medium, characterized in that it includes instructions for the execution of the steps of a process according to the invention, when said program is executed on a computer.

[0024] Optionally also, the semiconductor switches used have an intrinsic diode or a parallel diode, conducting towards the respective midpoint (cathode connected to the respective midpoint). Brief description of the figures

[0025] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Fig. 1 is a very simplified side view of a mobility device comprising an electrical installation according to the invention, - Figure 2 is a simplified electrical circuit of the electrical installation, illustrating in particular an interconnection device. - Figure 3 is a block diagram of a first method for controlling the interconnection device, - Figure 4 illustrates an interconnection device configuration at one of the stages of the first control process. - Figure 5 illustrates an interconnection device configuration at one of the stages of the first control process, and - [Fig.6] is a simplified electrical circuit of a variant of electrical installation. Detailed description of the invention

[0026] With reference to [Fig. 1], a mobility device 100 in which the invention can be implemented will now be described. The mobility device 100 is, for example, a motor vehicle as illustrated.

[0027] The mobility device 100 includes an electrical installation 102 comprising first and second DC voltage sources, hereafter referred to as sources SCI and SC2, designed to respectively provide DC voltages VB1, VB2.

[0028] For example, the first source SCI includes a first battery BATI designed to provide a DC voltage VBati and a first DC-DC voltage converter DCDC1 designed to convert the DC voltage VBati into the DC voltage VB1. Similarly, the second source SC2 includes a second battery BATI designed to provide a DC voltage VBAt2 and a second DC-DC voltage converter DCDC2 designed to convert the DC voltage VBAt2 into the DC voltage VB2.

[0029] The DC voltages Vbati, VBAt2 are for example equal to each other, for example equal to 400V.

[0030] For example, BATI, BAT2 batteries comprise cells or accumulators in series. For example, the cells of BATI, BAT2 batteries are lithium-ion cells, lithium iron phosphate cells (LFP cells), or lithium nickel manganese cobalt cells (NMC cells). For example, BATI, BAT2 batteries have the same number N of cells or accumulators in series. Alternatively, BATI, BAT2 batteries may have a different number of cells or accumulators in series.

[0031] The first and second batteries BATI, BAT2 are for example connected in series with each other, so as to form a battery system 104 designed to provide a continuous voltage VBAt, from the voltages Vbati, VBAt2, for example the sum of the voltages VBAti, VBAt2. This voltage VBAt is for example a high voltage, for example 800V.

[0032] In other embodiments, the two sources SCI, SC2 may share a single battery supplying a DC voltage. In this case, the two DCDC1, DCDC2 converters are connected to this shared battery to receive the DC voltage supplied by it.

[0033] The mobility device 100 may include an electric propulsion motor 106. In this case, the battery system 104 is, for example, designed to electrically supply the electric motor 106 from the voltage VBAt-

[0034] Furthermore, the electrical installation 102 also includes a first network LV1 designed to be electrically supplied by a direct current voltage VI, and a second network LV2 designed to be supplied by a direct current voltage V2. The voltages VI and V2 of the networks LV1 and LV2 are, for example, low voltages. Also, for example, the voltages VI and V2 are equal.

[0035] The first network LV1 includes a battery BAT and Z1 loads, while the second network LV2 is preferably battery-free, but includes Z2 loads.

[0036] The BAT battery is designed to be charged from the source SCI, SC2 supplying power to the LV1 network and to itself power the loads Zl of this LV1 network. For this purpose, the BAT battery is, for example, designed to store a sufficient amount of electrical energy to deliver 1 kW for two minutes.

[0037] When it is stated that the second LV2 network is battery-free, this means at a minimum that it is battery-free, meaning that it is not equipped with a battery designed to power the Z2 loads of the LV2 network and / or capable of storing a sufficient amount of electrical energy to deliver 1 kW for two minutes. Thus, the LV2 network may include electrical components that are therefore not batteries within the meaning of the present invention.

[0038] For example, the voltage VBat is referenced with respect to a first ground GND1, while the voltages VB1, VB2, VI, V2 are referenced with respect to a second ground GND2, different from the first ground GND1 (see [Fig.4]).

[0039] The mobility device 100 further includes an IT interconnection device designed to connect the SCI, SC2 sources to the LV1, LV2 networks, according to different configurations which will be detailed later.

[0040] With reference to [Fig.2], an example of an embodiment of the IT interconnection device will now be described.

[0041] The IT interconnection device first includes a first link L1 between the first source SCI and the first network LV1. This first link L1 includes first upstream switches SU and downstream switches S12 connected to each other at a first midpoint PL. The first upstream switch SI1 is connected between the first source SCI and the first downstream switch S12, while the latter is connected between the first upstream switch S11 and the first network LV1.

[0042] The IT interconnection device further includes a second L2 link between the second source SC2 and the second network LV2. This second L2 link includes a second upstream switch S21 connected between the second source SC2 and the second network LV2.

[0043] The IT interconnection device further comprises a junction switch BP connected between the first and second links L1, L2, and more specifically between the first midpoint PI and a second midpoint P2 located between the second upstream switch S21 and the second network LV2.

[0044] The second link L2 may further include, as in the example illustrated in [Fig. 2], a second downstream switch S22 connected between the second midpoint P2 and the second network LV2. The second upstream switch S21 and downstream switch S22 are then connected to each other at the second midpoint P2. As will be described with reference to Figure 16, this second downstream switch S22 may be omitted.

[0045] The controllable switches SI 1, S12, S21, S22 are, for example, unidirectional switches designed, when open, to interrupt the current in only one direction, but not in the other. More precisely, each upstream switch SI 1, S12 is designed to interrupt the current flowing from the midpoint PI, P2 to the source SCI, SC2 that it connects. Furthermore, each downstream switch S21, S22 is designed to interrupt the current flowing from the midpoint PI, P2 to the network LV1, LV2 that it connects.

[0046] For example, each controllable switch SI 1, S12, S21, S22 is a semiconductor switch, such as a transistor, for example a metal-oxide-gate field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a silicon metal-oxide-gate field-effect transistor (SiMOSFET), a silicon carbide metal-oxide-gate field-effect transistor (SiCMOSFET), an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), or a gallium nitride field-effect transistor (IGBT). Gallium Nitride Field Effect Transistor, also known as(the acronym GaN FET). The semiconductor switches used generally have an intrinsic diode or a parallel diode. In this case, the diode conducts towards the respective midpoint PI, P2 (cathode connected to the respective midpoint PI, P2).

[0047] The junction switch BP is preferably a bidirectional switch designed to interrupt the current in both directions when open. The junction switch BP comprises, for example, two unidirectional switches BPI, BP2 arranged back-to-back in series, with, for example, an inductance L between them. Indeed, if a fault occurs on one of the two connections L1, L2, the presence of the inductance L can slow the propagation of this fault to the other connection. This inductance L can be omitted, so that the unidirectional switches BPI, BP2 are directly connected to each other. The switch BPI is connected to the Midpoint P1, while switch BP2 is connected to midpoint P2. These unidirectional switches, BPI and BP2, are examples of semiconductor switches, as detailed above, generally featuring an intrinsic diode or one added in parallel. In this case, the diodes have opposite polarities, meaning either each conducts towards the other (cathodes connected to each other), or each blocks current towards the other (anodes connected to each other, as in the illustrated example).

[0048] The electrical installation further includes a control device 108 for the IT interconnection device.

[0049] To control the IT interconnection device, the control device 108 is in particular designed to detect, on the one hand, a supply of electrical energy by the second network LV2 on the second link L2 and, on the other hand, optionally, a failure of the second source SC2, in particular of its DCDC2 converter, for example a failure of the drivers, of electronics providing the C2 commands, of a short circuit in the primary, etc.

[0050] For this purpose, the electrical installation 102 includes, for example, voltage sensors Cupi, CUP2, CVBb, Cvi, CVb2, Cv2 designed to measure the voltages UP1, UP2 at the midpoints PI, P2, and the voltages VB1, VI, VB2, V2, respectively. The electrical installation 102 may also include current sensors Cibi, CiB2 designed to measure the currents IB1, IB2 supplied by the sources SCI, SC2 to the interconnection device IT, these currents IB1, IB2 passing in particular through the upstream switches SU, S21, respectively.

[0051] To detect the supply of electrical power from the second network LV2 on the second link L2, the control device 108 is, for example, designed to detect an overvoltage of the voltage V2 of the second network LV2. Alternatively or in addition, the control device 108 is, for example, designed to detect a reverse current, i.e., a negative current IB2.

[0052] To detect a failure of the second source SC2, the control device 108 is for example designed to monitor a signal, for example a current or a voltage, internal to the second DCDC2 converter, in order to detect a failure when this signal has an abnormal value.

[0053] For example, an undervoltage is detected when the voltage in question falls below a predefined threshold, for example 90% of a nominal value of the voltage in question. Similarly, an overvoltage is detected, for example, when the voltage in question rises above a predefined threshold, for example the same as for undervoltage detection.

[0054] Similarly, an overcurrent is detected, for example, when the current in question passes above a predefined threshold.

[0055] The control device 108 is, for example, a computer device, such as a computer or a set of computers, comprising a processing unit, such as a microprocessor, and a main memory designed to store instructions of a computer program so that the processing unit executes them to implement the steps that will be described later.

[0056] With reference to figures 3 to 5, an example of a method 300 for operating the control device 108 will now be described.

[0057] With reference to [Fig. 4], during step 302, the IT interconnection device is initially in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch BP is open, while the other switches SU, S12, S21, S22 are closed. Thus, the first source SCI supplies power to the first network LV1 and the second source SC2 supplies power to the second network LV2, separately.

[0058] During a step 304, the control device 108 detects a supply of electrical energy by the second network LV2 on the second link L2, that is to say, a supply of electrical energy from the second network LV2 to the second DC voltage source SC2 through the second link L2. This energy may be energy returned by the equipment of the second network LV2, that is to say by the loads Z2.

[0059] During an optional step 306, the control device 108 detects a failure of the second source SC2, for example of the second DCDC2 converter.

[0060] In response to at least the detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network LV2 on the second link L2, the control device 108 commands, during a step 308, the closing of the junction switch BP to place the interconnection device IT in a so-called absorption configuration. This configuration is illustrated in [Fig. 5].

[0061] In the absorption configuration, the electrical energy supplied by the second network LV2 is absorbed by the battery BAT of the first network LV1. In addition, the control device 108 can further control the first source SCI, for example the first DCDC1 converter, to absorb this electrical energy, together with the battery BAT.

[0062] For example, the mere detection of the supply of electrical energy by the second network LV2 on the second link L2, can lead to the switch to the absorption configuration, independent of the state, faulty or not, of the second source SC2.

[0063] Alternatively, the combined detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network LV2 on the second link L2 and the failure of the second source SC2 may be necessary to switch to the absorption configuration. Otherwise, simply detecting the supply of electrical energy from the second LV2 network on the second L2 link does not trigger the switch to absorption mode. Indeed, when the second DCDC2 converter is operational, the control device 108 can, for example, command the second DCDC2 converter to absorb the electrical energy supplied by the LV2 network, without requiring it to switch to absorption mode.

[0064] Generally, in the absorption configuration, the control device is designed to keep the first upstream switches SI 1 and downstream switches S12 closed, as well as the second upstream switches S21 and downstream switches S22 (when present).

[0065] During a step 310, the control device 108 maintains the IT interconnection device in the absorption configuration as long as the supply of electrical power by the second LV2 network on the second L2 link is detected.

[0066] During a step 312, in response to a cessation of the supply of electrical power by the second network LV2 on the second link L2, the control device 108 commands the opening of the junction switch BP to place the interconnection device IT in the normal configuration.

[0067] With reference to [Fig. 6], as previously stated, the second downstream switch S22 can be omitted. Indeed, the downstream switch SI1 is intended to prevent uncontrolled charging of the battery BAT if the source SCI, SC2 supplying the LV1 network were to begin supplying current uncontrollably. However, since the LV2 network does not have a battery, this risk is nonexistent for the LV2 network, so the downstream switch S22 is not essential.

[0068] In conclusion, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It will indeed be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in light of the information just disclosed to them.

[0069] In the detailed presentation of the invention given above, the terms used shall not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the embodiments set forth in this description, but shall be interpreted as including all equivalents which can be foreseen by a person skilled in the art by applying their general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching which has just been disclosed to them.

Claims

Demands

1. Electrical installation (102) for a mobility device (100), comprising: - a first DC voltage source (SCI); - a second DC voltage source (SC2); - a first network (LV1) designed to include a battery (BAT); - a second network (LV2) without a battery; characterized in that it comprises: - an interconnection device (IT) comprising: • a first connection (L1) between the first DC voltage source (SCI) and the first network (LV1), • a second connection (L2) between the second DC voltage source (SC2) and the second network (LV2), • a junction switch (BP) connected between the first and second connections (L1, L2);and - a control device (108) designed to, the interconnection device (IT) being in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch (BP) is open: • in response to a detection of a supply of electrical energy by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2), command the closing of the junction switch (BP) to place the interconnection device (IT) in a so-called absorption configuration, so that the energy supplied by the second network (LV2) is absorbed by the first DC voltage source (SCI) and / or the battery (BAT).;

2. Electrical installation (102) according to claim 1, wherein the detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2) comprises the detection of an overvoltage of a voltage (V2) of the second network (LV2) and / or of a reverse current (IB2) leaving the second network (LV2) towards the second source (SC2).

3. Electrical installation (102) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device (108) is designed to maintain the interconnection device (IT) in the absorption configuration as long as the supply of electrical power by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2) is detected.

4. Electrical installation (102) according to claim 3, wherein the control device (108) is designed to, in response to a cessation of the supply of electrical power by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2), command the opening of the junction switch (BP) to place the interconnection device (IT) in the normal configuration.

5. Electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device (108) is designed to control the closing of the junction switch (BP) to place the interconnection device (IT) in the absorption configuration, in response to a detection of a failure of the second DC voltage source (SC2) in addition to the detection of the supply of electrical power by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2).

6. Electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the junction switch (BP) comprises two unidirectional switches (BP1, BP2) each having an intrinsic diode or added in parallel, the two unidirectional switches (BP1, BP2) being mounted in series, with either each of the conducting diodes in the direction of the other, or each of the blocking diodes in the direction of the other.

7. Electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first connection (L1) comprises first upstream (SU) and downstream (S12) switches connected to each other at a first midpoint (PI), the first upstream switch (SI1) being connected between the first DC voltage source (SCI) and the first downstream switch (S12), the first downstream switch (S12) being connected between the first upstream switch (SI1) and the first network (LV1), and wherein the second connection (L2) comprises a second upstream switch (S21) connected between the second DC voltage source (SC2) and second network (LV2).

8. Electrical installation (102) according to claim 7, wherein the control device (108) is designed to keep the second upstream switch (S21) closed in the absorption configuration.

9. Electrical installation (102) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control device (108) is designed to keep the first upstream (SU) and downstream (S 12) switches closed in the absorption configuration.

10. Electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second link (L2) further comprises a second downstream switch (S22) connected between the second upstream switch (S21) and the second network (LV2), the junction switch (BP) being connected to the second link (L2) at a second midpoint (P2) between the second downstream switch (S22) and the second upstream switch (S21).

11. Electrical installation (102) according to claim 10, wherein the control device (108) is designed to keep the second downstream switch (S22) closed in the absorption configuration.

12. Mobility device (100) comprising an electrical installation (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Method (300; 1000) of controlling an interconnection device (IT) situated between first and second DC voltage sources (SCI, SC2) and first and second networks (LV1, LV2), the first network (LV1) having a battery (BAT), the second network (LV2) being without a battery, the interconnection device (IT) comprising: - a first link (L1) between the first DC voltage source (SCI) and the first network (LV1), - a second link (L2) between the second DC voltage source (SC2) and the second network (LV2), - a junction switch (BP) connected between the first midpoint (PI) and a second midpoint (P2) situated between the second upstream switch (S21) and the second network (LV2);

14. the process (300; 1000) comprising, the interconnection device (IT) being in a so-called normal configuration in which the junction switch (BP) is open: - in response to the detection of an electrical power supply by the second network (LV2) on the second link (L2), command the closing of the junction switch (BP) to place the interconnection device (IT) in a so-called absorption configuration, so that the energy supplied by the second network (LV2) is absorbed by the first DC voltage source (SCI) and / or the battery (BAT). A computer program downloadable from a communication network and / or stored on a computer-readable medium, characterized in that it includes instructions for executing the steps of a process according to claim 13, when said program is executed on a computer.

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